**Originally Listed At $600**

West Africa, Mali, Bamana (also Bambara), ca. mid to late 20th century CE. A fantastic example of a Chiwara - also Chi Wara, Ci Wara - headdress depicting a tall antelope standing on bent legs atop an integral rectangular plinth. The stylized creature features a slender body with a thick, craned neck, filled with zigzagging bars. The elongated ungulate face features sizeable, slit-form eyes, incised decoration, and a majestic pair of spiraling horns that tower above the head and terminate with leather-capped tips and protruding strands of golden-hued antelope hair. Rattan and cowrie shell adornments loop through the animal's nostrils and sit atop its head, creating a vibrant red headdress that nicely contrasts the black-painted wood surface of the sculpture. The base is pierced with a pair of drill holes, allowing the figure to be attached to a headdress and worn. Size: 6.7" W x 18.2" H (17 cm x 46.2 cm)

Often described as an antelope, the Chi Wara is actually a composite animal - part antelope, part aardvark, and part pangolin. All of these animals are creatures that dig up the earth; while antelopes carve the ground with their hooves, the aardvark and pangolin use their claws to excavate termite mounds. This communion with the earth makes them ideal components of the Chi Wara, the supernatural being believed to have taught the Bamana people how to farm.

Historically, such masks were worn by male and female pairs in a dance performance that praised skilled farmers. The creator of this particular mask emphasized the elongated body of a roan antelope; the vertical horns resemble those of both the roan and oryx antelopes and are also said to resemble millet stalks. The body, with its big ears and short legs, suggests the aardvark, while the incised surfaces suggest the scales of the pangolin. The dancer for whom such masks are intended, traditionally wears raffia stalks that symbolize flowing water as well as a fruitful harvest. The zig-zag motifs reference the sun's movement across the sky. A bold and breathtaking mask that demonstrates a high level of skill with its expert carving and overall beautiful composition.

Provenance: private Englewood, Colorado USA collection, acquired on the New York art market

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#168994

Some expected minor nicks, scratches, and abrasions to wood. Fraying to rattan and some losses to leather. Otherwise, intact and excellent with nice patina and great preservation of incised detail.